Here's how to tell if your dog is a healthy weight

Of course... First of all, if you have any concerns about your dog's weight and health, talk to your vet and or your breeder about your dog's weight.

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You should be able to feel your dog's ribs. Put your hand out flat and your palm down and feel your knuckles that's how your dog's ribs should kind of feel. They should not feel Like when you tighten your fist, Your dog would be a bit underweight. If it's hard to feel your dog's ribs, they're possibly overweight.

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Your dog's chest should be wider than their stomach area and there should be a noticeable tuck-up from chest to stomach around their waist. If there's not, your dog is probably overweight.

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Most dogs you see are overweight or obese which can cause health issues.

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This also depends on your dog's breed! This is just one reason why it's so important to look into your chosen dog breed before getting them. But this should work for most dog breeds.

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your breeder should already have a lot of these conversations with you before you get your dog, or if you're going through a shelter/rescue they should have these conversations with you as well!

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It is still important to make sure your dog is getting enough food. You don't want to be underfeeding them or over feeding them, No matter what you're feeding them, make sure you are feeding the appropriate amount by checking the bag or talking to your vet or breeder.

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Your dog being in good shape is not just about the amount you feed, but it's also the activity levels and what they are doing day by day! So make sure that your dog is getting the appropriate amount of exercise mentally and physically for their breed and for their age.

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A dog begs because it's a natural behavior, also it works! Dogs do what works! So if your dog is still acting hungry after just eating their meal, that does not mean that they are still hungry. Most dogs if you give them the chance they will eat and eat and eat. You may think eating 2 meals a day doesn't seem like enough. Okay so spread out the amount of food that your dog needs and spread it out throughout the day to 3 times or 4 times a day. Whatever works for you if that makes you feel better. Remember dogs don't feel and think the way that we do.

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Also doing enrichment can make your dogs meals last longer giving them time to feel full and is working their brain so it's less likely for them to beg for food immediately after eating.

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And it's perfectly fine to feed small treats throughout the day. You can feed things like beef tracheas, pig ears, beef cheeks, Frozen beef bone marrow bones and Frozen carrots You can also soak them in bone broth or chicken broth, these are just a couple things to give your dog something to chew on... Training treats are a perfect treat that you can feed throughout the day, you can buy a small cheap bag of dog food and feed little bits of that throughout the day as well!

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Again, if you have any concerns, contact your vet or your breeder.

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If you have anything to add or if I missed anything feel free to put it in the comments! 🫶

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